House of the Dragon season 2 episode 6: Who is Jeyne Arryn and which dragon has The Vale?

*WARNING: This article contains major spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6 and George R.R. Martin’s book series.*

House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6 once again featured the mysterious Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin) who is a distant relative and supposed ally of Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy). We also heard the first mention of a dragon in The Vale, despite previous claims to the contrary.

In the latest action-packed episode of the HBO series, we see one of Rhaenyra’s young sons walking alongside his half-sister Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell), who has been charged with keeping the Queen’s young children safe during the civil war. 

Suddenly, the pair stumble across the bones of a sheep and a huge patch of scorched earth. Rhaena looks on in disbelief, realising that this could only have been caused by a large dragon, despite previously being told The Vale housed no such beast.

Next, Rhaena is told by the Lady of The Vale that they have received the “good news” that she and the young princes have been offered shelter in Pentos at the hospitality of Prince Reggio Haratis (Dean Nolan).

Seeing Rhaena staring off into the distance after hearing the news, she tells the young girl: “I thought you’d be happy… or at least less morose. You hate it here.”

“You misled me, my lady,” Rhaena replies. “There is a large dragon in The Vale.” 

Jeyne then admits: “Rumour of it began shortly after the war. Ranging more broadly for food, my Maestar surmised. It is large and formidable but, alas, wild.”

So, what is Jeyne Arryn’s true significance to the wider Game of Thrones universe and what is the name of the wild dragon roaming The Vale? 

Keep reading to find out but - be warned - SPOILERS AHEAD.

Who is Lady Jeyne Arryn of The Vale in the books?

Jeyne Arryn is first introduced in episode 5 of the second season of House of the Dragon, with Rhaenyra asking her step-daughter Rhaena to watch over Joffrey, Aegon, Viserys and a clutch of dragon eggs from the safety of The Vale. 

The Lady of The Vale has pledged her loyalty to Rhaenyra in exchange for a dragon to protect her lands. 

In George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, we learn Jeyne inherited The Vale when she was just a child after her father and older brothers were killed by Stone Crows, a mountain clan in the same region.

When she was a child, Lord Royce of Runestone ruled as her regent, with Jeyne’s claim also being unsuccessfully challenged by her male cousin Arnold Arryn.

During the Dance of the Dragons, Rhaena becomes Jeyne’s ward and the latter eventually sends forces to join Rhaenyra’s army.

The Vale is never directly attacked during the civil war, Jeyne still has an important role to play - but we won’t give too much away! 

Which wild dragon flies above The Vale?

While it has not yet been confirmed in the series, according to the books, it seems likely that the beast Jeyne refers to is the wild dragon Sheepstealer.

The dragon, which is described as being “the colour of mud”, is unsurprisingly known for gorging on sheep. 

While the books imply Sheepstealer is a vicious beast when provoked, the dragon isn’t known for being overly aggressive towards humans.

In the books, the dragon eventually becomes a threat to The Vale as it raids many farms for sheep and cattle, so Lord Arryn orders his men to form a band to track down the lair of the beast and coordinate a plan to kill it.

According to the books, Sheepstealer has only ever had one rider and - while they could potentially become important in the Dance of the Dragons - again, we don’t want to spoil too much.

House of the Dragon season 2 is set to air in the UK on Mondays at 2am BST (British Summer Time) on Sky Atlantic and NOW. The same episode will also be broadcast again on Monday at 9pm.